Obituary of James Steele

James Lawrence Steele was born in Pontiac, Michigan on November 27, 1946. He was the son of the late Charlie Steele and the late Susie (McClellan) Steele Ayers. He attended Troy High School. He married the love of his life the former Kathleen McClelland on July 25, 1970 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Royal Oak, Michigan. From this union would come the birth of two children. James moved his family to Monroe from Rochester to open a restaurant; purchasing The Harvest Table on March 1, 1971. Over the years the restaurant became a huge part of the Steele family's way of life. Jim worked hard and met wonderful and interesting people along the way. Many of his customers became close family friends over the years. Jim although a private person was charismatic, fun to be around, loved to laugh, and was loyal. He always gave from his heart and his generosity included donating food and his time to the community. In 2005 he changed the name of the restaurant to The Eatery. Jim and Kathleen had a wonderful marriage. He loved his family immensely and was an active father and very involved with his grandchildren. James especially enjoyed the summer months which afforded him the opportunity to golf, do yard work, and have weekly Sunday Bar-be-ques with the family. Even as the children became adults they enjoyed vacationing as a family. James, age 67 of Monroe passed away at home on Sunday, April 6, 2014. He had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his stepfather: B.J. Ayers and a brother: William Steele. To cherish his memory he leaves a loving wife of nearly forty-five years: Kathleen of Monroe; two children: Natalie Steele and James (Alicia) Steele both of Monroe; four siblings: Charles "Chuck" Steele, Ernie (Jan) Steele, Joyce Steel, and Charlotte (Gene) Fournier; and six grandchildren: Taylor, Telia, Tallie, Zoey, Collin, and Gaven. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe (734) 241-7070 (formerly Bennett Funeral Services). A Celebration of His Life will take place at 6:00pm with Pete Navarre and Katherin Kolodziejczyk from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church officiating. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.